The International Film Festival Panamá Showcases Central America’s Blossoming Cinema
Courtesy of Panama International Film Festival
With more than 70 feature films, this year’s International Film Festival Panamá (IFF Panamá) is yet again proof that Central America is making great strides when it comes to nurturing its film industries. While local audiences will be able to get a chance to see festival favorites by the likes of Hirokazu Kore-eda, Barry Jenkins, Pawel Pawlikowski, and Sebastian Lélio, the focus will also be on the fest’s “Historias de América Central y del Caribe” and “Perspectiva Panameña” programs. Between them, they’ll be showcasing stories from and about the region, which often don’t get the exposure they deserve at other international festivals.
We’ve combed through it to bring you our suggestions for what to prioritize. Check our list of top picks below, which include a certain Oscar-winning black-and-white film, a doc about a Panamanian jazz group, a Costa Rican romantic tale about a contemporary dancer, a Guatemalan drama about gay conversion therapy, and even an anniversary screening of one of Edward James Olmos‘ greatest performances.
International Film Festival Panamá runs April 4 – 10, 2019.